Former Sussex Seamer and CEO Tony Pigott Dies at 67
Former England cricketer Tony Pigott, a key figure in Sussex's resurgence during his playing days, has passed away at the age of 67. A member of the team that took over the board in 1997, Pigott was instrumental in introducing floodlights to Hove Ground and played an instrumental role in shaping the team that would go on to win their first County Championship title in 2003.
Born into cricketing family, Pigott began his career as a teenager at Sussex, taking three wickets with his first three balls on his debut match against Surrey in 1978. He was recalled by England after being injured for just one Test match against New Zealand in 1984, choosing to put off his wedding plans to represent the country.
Pigott's illustrious career eventually took him to Surrey but a series of injuries saw him relegated to second team duties at The Oval before he returned to Hove in 1997. A takeover on the board that year marked the beginning of a successful era for Sussex, with Pigott becoming instrumental in transforming the club.
Recruiting Chris Adams as captain in 1998, Pigott laid the foundations for future success and helped his successor win County Championship titles. "Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club," Adams said on the club website. "Personally, Tony played an enormous part in moulding my life for the better."
Former England cricketer Tony Pigott, a key figure in Sussex's resurgence during his playing days, has passed away at the age of 67. A member of the team that took over the board in 1997, Pigott was instrumental in introducing floodlights to Hove Ground and played an instrumental role in shaping the team that would go on to win their first County Championship title in 2003.
Born into cricketing family, Pigott began his career as a teenager at Sussex, taking three wickets with his first three balls on his debut match against Surrey in 1978. He was recalled by England after being injured for just one Test match against New Zealand in 1984, choosing to put off his wedding plans to represent the country.
Pigott's illustrious career eventually took him to Surrey but a series of injuries saw him relegated to second team duties at The Oval before he returned to Hove in 1997. A takeover on the board that year marked the beginning of a successful era for Sussex, with Pigott becoming instrumental in transforming the club.
Recruiting Chris Adams as captain in 1998, Pigott laid the foundations for future success and helped his successor win County Championship titles. "Tony was one of, if not, the biggest positive transformative influences in the history of the club," Adams said on the club website. "Personally, Tony played an enormous part in moulding my life for the better."
just heard about Tony Pigott passing away at 67 
still can't believe how fast time has flown by it's crazy to think he was playing cricket as a teenager back in '78 
and then went on to be a key figure in Sussex's resurgence... what an inspiring story 
hope his legacy lives on through the team he helped shape, and also in all the young cricketers who want to follow in his footsteps 
just heard about Tony Pigott's passing and I'm thinking, what a career, man! Three wickets with his first three balls? That's like me getting a free lunch on my birthday... just kidding, that never happens 
. Seriously though, 67 is young for cricket legend, and it's sad to see him go. But hey, at least he left behind a legacy of floodlights at Hove Ground – talk about making an entrance! 
Guess who's gonna miss his cricketing stories? Not me, I've got Netflix 
. They say he played three wickets with his first three balls on debut, I wish I could've seen that in person 
! Anyway, my condolences to the Pigott family, what a legend 
just thinkin' about all the crap he had to deal with on and off the pitch... injuries, weddings, England callin' him back from his honeymoon lol... and now he's gone. can't even celebrate a county championship win or somethin'. anywayz, sounds like he was a pretty decent bloke to have been captain & all that... but 67, fam... that's just too young 
. Tony Pigott was definitely one of those guys who embodied everything cricket should be - passion, dedication, and a love for the game that knew no bounds 
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. There were years of hard work, sacrifices, and setbacks along the way. And let's not forget those injuries - talk about a cruel twist of fate 
. So here's to Tony Pigott: may your memory live on in the annals of cricket history 
his impact on the club went way beyond his playing days, especially with introducing floodlights to Hove Ground 
it's amazing what one person can do when they're passionate and dedicated enough 